Method and system for implementing a sports marketing or civic organization

ABSTRACT

A method and system for implementing a civic organization in which members are enlisted for advancing a common interest together with charitable organizations enlisted to be partners with the civic organization. Points are awarded to members based upon meritorious conduct such as service to one of the charitable organizations. Members may advance within the civic organization in response to the awarding of points. Members may receive benefit opportunities from rewards partners offering goods and services to members.

STATEMENT OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/697,578, filed Jul. 8, 2005. That application isentitled “Method and System for Implementing a Civic Organization.” Theprovisional application is incorporated herein in its entirety byreference

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to civic organizations. More specifically,the invention relates to a method for implementing a sports marketing orcivic organization such as a spirit organization, a fraternal order or acivic group. The invention also relates to a system for implementingsuch an organization.

2. Description of the Related Art

Within the United States various fraternal orders and civicorganizations have arisen. Examples of such organizations include theKentucky Colonels, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Shriners and theLion's Club. These organizations have various criteria for membershipand have various missions. In some instances they may also operate atvarious levels of secrecy. However, they all hold themselves out ashaving, at least to some extent, a philanthropic purpose.

Further, fans of particular sports teams often seek to support andindicate affinity to that sports team. One way of demonstrating suchaffinity is to wear clothing having colors and symbols associated with afavored sports team or collect and own articles that include coloring orsymbols of the sports team. Fans attending games may wearteam-affiliated clothing, have signage and flags, or use equipment suchas coolers, backpacks, cookers that have coloring or symbols with thesports team. For example, some such fans engage in “tailgating” cookoutsat a stadium prior to games. Heretofore, such fans have been unorganizedor loosely organized at best. Such individuals however are typicallyhighly motivated as to the common interest. Also, these individualsgeneraly seek activities-related to that common interest.

A need exists for a civic organization that encourages among individualsthat have a common interest, various activities related to that commoninterest, as well as community involvement and philanthropy. A needfurther exists for such an organization that offers advancement withinthe organization based upon activities of the organization, as well ascommunity involvement and philanthropy. Further, a need exists for suchan organization wherein advancement may be achieved according to a pointsystem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method for implementing a civic organization is provided. In oneembodiment, the method includes the steps of enlisting members to be apart of the civic organization; enlisting charitable organizations to bepartners with the civic organization; awarding points to members basedupon meritorious conduct; and advancing members in the civicorganization in response to the awarding of points. The meritoriousconduct may include recruiting other members, performing charitableworks for the charitable organizations, or achieving status in thecommunity.

It is preferred that the civic organization market itself to attractmembers having a common interest. An example of such common interestincludes various athletic teams such as those of the University ofTennessee. Alternatively, the civic organization may organize itself inassociation with other sports teams such as the University of Florida orVanderbilt University. Further, the civic organization may establishitself in other contexts such as professional football, basketball,stock car racing, or a community civic entity. Thus, the civicorganization may be a sport enthusiasts marketing organization providingactivities and products of interest to fans of the particular sportsteam or entity. The activities include sport-related activities,parties, and events for fans as well as community beneficial activitiesthrough charitable organizations.

A system for implementing a civic organization is also provided. In oneembodiment, the system includes a user interface for a server operator;a network interface comprising a web browser and a data link; and aserver defining a website, a processor, memory and software for enablingthe server operator to communicate with a plurality of users through aglobal data network such as the worldwide web. The website enables theserver operator to receive information from a plurality of remotelylocated users that are prospective members so as to enlist the usersinto the civic organization as members. In another aspect, the systemalso allows the operator to receive information from a plurality ofcharitable organizations about opportunities for community service;receive information from the enlisted members and the charitableorganizations about charitable work done by the members; postinformation about points awarded to members for their charitable work;and post information about advancement of the individual members basedupon points awarded.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the presentinvention can be better understood, certain drawings, flow charts orscreenshots are appended hereto. It is to be noted, however, that theappended figures illustrate only selected embodiments of the inventionsand are therefore not to be considered limiting of scope, for theinventions may admit to other equally effective embodiments andapplications. For example, the screenshots represent specificexpressions of web pages. However, the invention is not limited to thesespecific expressions.

FIG. 1 presents a system for implementing a civic organization, in oneembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing steps for using the system of FIG. 1. Suchsteps include enlisting in the organization, performing charitable worksto earn points, and advancing within the organization in response toearning points.

FIG. 3A is an illustrative screenshot for a home page for the website ofthe system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B is an exemplary screenshot for a common banner of the website.

FIG. 3C is a screenshot for an illustrative menu for the website.

FIGS. 4A-4C provide illustrative screen shots describing the mission ofthe civic organization.

FIG. 5 is a screenshot listing charitable organizations in partnershipwith the civic organization.

FIGS. 6A-6C are screenshots providing news about the civic organization.

FIG. 7 is a screenshot listing events of interest to members of thecivic organization.

FIG. 8 is a screenshot providing contact information for users of thewebsite.

FIGS. 9A-9C present screenshots for informational pages relating toenlistment and advancement.

FIGS. 10A-10D demonstrate illustrative screenshots allowing websiteusers to order merchandise.

FIG. 11 demonstrates an illustrative screenshot of a rewards pageallowing website users to obtain information from rewards partners.

FIG. 12 demonstrates a screenshot of an alternate embodiment of anenlistment page for members to obtain information and link to aenlistment web page.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a screen shot of an alternate embodimentregarding enlistment of members in the organization.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Definitions

As used herein, the term “server” refers to any computer, mainframe,client, PDA or code-driven apparatus that may be placed in electricalcommunication with a global data network such as the worldwide web.

The term “charitable works” refers to any charitable or philanthropicact, including volunteering time, providing professional services, ordonating money.

The term “civic organization” refers to any organization that operates,at least in part, to provide acts of community service. The civicorganization be a sport enthusiasts marketing organization providingactivities and products of interest to fans of the particular sportsteam or entity. The activities include sport-related activities,parties, and events for fans as well as community beneficial activitiesthrough charitable organizations.

The term “rewards partner” refers to any company, business, or otherentity that provides goods or services to the public.

Description of Specific Embodiments

FIG. 1 presents a system 100 for implementing a civic organization. Thesystem 100 first comprises an operator 110. The operator 110 is a humandirector of the civic organization. The operator 110 preferably operatesthrough a server that serves the civic organization. For this reason,FIG. 1 denotes the reference number 110 as a desktop computer. Ofcourse, it is understood that the server 110 may be any software-drivendevice that may be placed in electrical communication with a datanetwork such as the worldwide web 115. For example, the server 110 maybe a free-standing computer or may be part of a local area network.

A communication link between the server 110 and the web 115 is shown at102. The link may be wireless, or may be a telephone or digital cableline. A modem or Ethernet card (not shown) typically connects the server110 to the communication link 102.

The computer 110 typically includes a user interface 103 such as akeyboard, a screen and a pointing device. The computer 110 also includesa processor unit 114 which holds software and communicates commands toand from the user interface 103. The software will include an operatingsystem such as the known Unix™ operating system, Microsoft Window™operating system, Apple™ operating system or Linux™ operating system.The software will also include a plurality of applications forperforming various features such as electronic mail.

The server 110 includes a website 112. The website 112 is placed incommunication with the web 115 by a network interface 140. The networkinterface 140 is typically an internet service provider, or “ISP,” whichenables the website 112 to be presented to a plurality of remotelylocated system users 120, 130 on the web 115. A web browser 142 isinstalled in the computer 110 to facilitate communication of the website112 from the computer 110. The browser 142 may be any one of a number ofcommercially available browsers such as Netscape Navigator™ or InternetExplorer™. In this manner, the server 110 provides a web-based platformfor a business.

The computer 110 includes a memory 150 for storage of data andinstructions. The memory 150 also forms a database that holdsinformation acquired by and generated through the website 112. Thedatabase 150 may be freestanding or may be associated with the processor114 on the computer 110.

FIG. 1 shows a plurality of users 120. These are denoted in FIG. 1 asusers 120 a, 120 b, etc. The term “users” is intended to be generic andencompasses both members of the civic organization and interestednon-members. FIG. 1 also shows a plurality of charitable organizations130. These are denoted in FIG. 1 as organizations 130 a, 130 b, etc.Further, a plurality of rewards partners 141 may participate in thesystem 100. As discussed below, reward partners 141 participate byproviding goods and services to members through an authorized benefitopportunity, as discussed below with reference to FIG. 11.

Each of the users 120 and each of the organizations 130 may employ anetwork interface 140 such as an internet service provider which enablesusers 120 and organizations 130 to establish contact with the website112 on the server 110. The network interface 140 will include a webbrowser which enables the users 120 and organizations 130 to establishcontact with the server operator's website 112 through the worldwide web115. A communication link 102 is provided between each network interface140 and the web 115, which may be either a wired or a wireless link.Alternatively, the users 120 and organizations 130 may communicate withthe director of the civic organization (also represented by thereference number 110) through traditional means of mail and telephone160. Lines 162 represent such communication means. The reward partners141 generally communicate with the civic organization 100 throughtraditional means of mail and telephone 161 although it is within thescope of the invention to provide suitable web pages whereby rewardpartners 141 may readily place, edit, and remove membership benefitoffers, as discussed below with respect to FIG. 11.

In order to implement the system 100, the operator of the website 112(or director of the civic organization 110) will solicit membershipsfrom the universe of users 120. Members may also be solicited by othermembers. The operator of the website 112 (or director of the civicorganization) will likewise communicate with charitable organizations130 to arrange for partnerships with the civic organization. Members whofrom time-to-time perform community service under the auspices of thecivic organization for and through a charitable organization 130,receive credits for promotion or advancement in the civic organization.

FIG. 2 presents a flowchart showing steps by which a user 120 mayparticipate in the civic organization. Of significance, FIG. 2 includesthe step 260 by which a member may advance within the organization.

First, the user will contact the civic organization. Preferably thisoccurs by a user 120 accessing the system 100 by communicating with thewebsite 112 through the data network 115. This step is demonstratedschematically through Box 200 of FIG. 2. The user 120 will be presentedwith a “home” or welcome page 10 (as shown in FIG. 3A) of the website112. The home page 10 will then be viewed as shown by the step of Box210.

FIG. 3A presents an illustrative screenshot 10 for a welcome page forthe website 112. The illustrative welcome page 10 relates to anillustrative website having a domain name “bigorangearmy.com.” It is tobe understood though that this domain name and the web page expressionspresented herein are merely an example, and that the present inventionsare not limited to this particular URL or web page structure.

Reviewing the home page 10, it can be seen that the page 10 has avariety of features. These optionally include advertiser links 11, aninformational field 13, a banner 20 and a menu 30. The informationalfield(s) 13 introduces the user 120 to the civic organization. Thebanner 20 and the menu 30 may be standard for some or all of the pageson the website 112. FIG. 3B shows the banner 20 in isolation, while FIG.3C shows the menu 30 enlarged and in isolation.

With reference to FIG. 3, the illustrative menu 30 includes thefollowing links: “Home” 10′, “Mission,” 40′, “Enlist” 50′, “News” 60′,“Events” 70′, “Gear” 80′, “Photos” 12′, “Press” 14′, “278th” (or otherunits) 16′, “Kids Area” 17′, “Charities” 90′ and “Contact” 35′. Many ofthese links are considered “informational,” such as “Mission,” 40′,“News” 60′, “Events” 70′ and “Photos” 12′, The user 120 may review theselinks to learn about the civic organization and its mission inaccordance with the step of Box 220 in FIG. 2. It is to be appreciatedthat the menu 30 is merely illustrative, and the present invention isnot limited to any particular naming convention or formatting of thewebsite 112.

After the “Home” link 10′ in FIG. 3C, the first informational link inmenu 30 is the “Mission,” 40′ link. This link takes the user 120 to page40, seen in FIGS. 4A-4C. FIGS. 4A-4C provide illustrative screen shotsdescribing the mission of the civic organization. In the example of page40, it can be seen that the stated mission is to “unify the communitiesthroughout Tennessee and enhance the lives of our citizens throughrecognition, community awareness and activism, and [charitable]participation.” Thus, philanthropic work by those residing in the Stateof Tennessee forms a point of common interest by which to attractmembers to the organization. A civic organization based on a commoninterest of a sports team may have a mission to “support, promote, andengage in activities involving the sports team and its affiliatedentity, such as a university or professional team.

It should also be noted from FIGS. 4A-4C that the State of Tennessee hasbeen divided into east, west and middle sections. In keeping with themilitary theme of the illustrative civic organization, each section orregion is referred to as a “Division.” Thus, as seen in FIG. 4A, theeastern portion of the state is denoted as “First Division.” FIG. 4Bindicates that the middle section of the state is the “Second Division,”and the western section of the state is the “Third Division” as shown inFIG. 4C.

It is also noted from FIGS. 4A-4C that the State of Tennessee has beendivided into its counties. In keeping with the military theme of theillustrative civic organization, each county is referred to as an“Infantry” unit. Thus, a person from Shelby County, Tennessee would bein the 75th Infantry, Third Division. A person from Knox County would bein the 1st Infantry, First Division. The particular number associatedwith each county is selected by the organizer when establishing theorganization. A new member's registration packet will preferablyindicate their infantry and division assignment. A flag or T-shirt mayalso be provided to the new member.

It is recognized that users 120 from out of state may wish to join thecivic organization. An additional Division may be created to recognizeindividual members that do not reside within a county in Tennessee. Itis to be appreciated that the invention is not particularly limited to astructure for the geographic state of Tennessee, but is readily adaptedto other geographic entities, such as other states and counties, or inan alternate embodiment, subdivided further to counties and towns, or inan alternate embodiment subdivided by nations and geographic or otherdivisions within those nations.

The Menu 30 provides other informational links. Photographs (not shown)of members or events of the civic organization may be seen by pressingthe “Photos” 12′ link. Activities for children are described in a page(not shown) entitled “Kids Area” 17′. Recent articles about the civicorganization may be viewed on a page (not shown) through the “Press” 14′link. From time-to-time, the operator 110 attends to uploading changesto the content of the various webpages accessible through these links.

FIG. 5 is a screenshot 90 listing charitable organizations inpartnership with the civic organization. This page 90 is accessed byclicking the “Charities” 90′ link. The charities link provides access toweb pages of the various charities participating in the organization.

FIGS. 6A-6C show screenshots 60 providing news about the civicorganization. This page 60 is accessed by clicking the “News” 60′ link.The news content includes visual, graphic, text, and audio informationand content that may be authored by the organization or by anothercontent provider.

FIG. 7 is a screenshot 70 listing events of interest to members of thecivic organization. This page 70 is accessed by clicking the “Events”70′ link. The events page 70 lists events and activities of interest tothe members of the organization, and particularly include events atwhich the members may participate. By participating, members earn pointsrequired for advancement in the ranks as discussed below. These eventsinclude activities related to the common interest of the organization(e.g., tailgating parties at sports events involving the sports team),as well as participating in activities of other civic and charitableorganizations. The membership of the organization accordingly provides asignificant source of participants who are highly motivated, organized,and willing participants in organized events related to, sponsored by,or endorsed by the organization. Thus, a charitable organizationproviding a fundraising activity such as a walk, run, or otherfundraising event, can affiliate through the organization and solicitparticipation by the members of the organization. Through theaffiliation with the organization, the charitable organization hasaccess to the organized membership. The members participating in theparticular affiliated events earn points required for advancement in theranks.

FIG. 8 is a screenshot 35 providing contact information for users of thewebsite. This page 35 is accessed by clicking the “Contact” 35 link.

Returning again to FIG. 2, the flow chart differentiates between (1)users that are members, and (2) users that are simply interested in thecivic organization or its website 112. Step 250 asks if the user is amember. If the user is a member (shown at Box 252), then the user maysimply review the events page 70 to learn about organization events orthe charities page 90 to learn about local service opportunities. Thisstep is demonstrated by the “Advancement” box of Box 260. Participationin organization activities and/or local service opportunities presentmembers with the opportunity to accrue points for advancement within theorganization.

If the user 120 is not a member (shown at Box 254), then the user isinvited to enlist. The step of enlistment is shown at Box 256 of FIG. 2.FIGS. 9A-9C present screenshots for informational pages 50 relating toenlistment and advancement. This page 50 is accessed by clicking the“Enlist” 50′ link.

With reference to FIG. 9A, page 50 includes a section 52 regardingenlistment. This section 52 lists the benefits available for members.Second, the page 50 has a section 54 concerning the process for becominga member. Included in this process is the completion of an “EnlistmentCard” 56. The card 56 is preferably mailed 162 to the civic organizationdirector 110 through a public mail or private courier service 160.However, it alternatively may be completed and tendered online. Uponcompletion of the card (physically or online) and payment of theenlistment fee, the user becomes a member and is issued a dog tag havinga number. The new member may also be issued any number of membershipindicia or regalia including a military helmet or pot, a rankingcertificate, a badge or fabric patch bearing a symbol or indicia of arank or level within the organization, camouflage-themed clothing,sports team related clothing, themed articles of a souvenir nature; orother items. Third, the ways in which a member may advance are discussedin a section 58 of the page 50. These methods are generally described as“recruit” 22 and “participate” 26.

Recruiting involves bringing in other members. This step isschematically shown in Box 262 of FIG. 2. Participating involvesperforming charitable works. This step is schematically shown in Box 264of FIG. 2. Charitable works refers to any charitable or philanthropicact, including volunteering time, providing professional services, ordonating money. Either activity will bring about advancement 260.

It is noted that community status may optionally be a means ofadvancement. For example, the local mayor may be made an honorarygeneral. This optional step is shown in Box 266 of FIG. 2. Page 60 ofFIG. 6A describes certain local celebrities being made “HonoraryBrigadier Generals.”

Upon completion of recruiting 262, organization activities 263, orcharitable work 264, the member may report the advancement information.This is shown at Box 272 of FIG. 2. Alternatively, the charitable work264 may be reported by the charitable organization 130 in accordancewith communication links 102 or 162. Also, the attendance by the memberat an activity of the organization, such as a party, tailgate event,travel to an “away” game, or other such organization event, likewise mayresult in participation points for advancement in the ranks. In oneaspect, an enlistment document is signed by the member at the site ofthe charitable organization. The member provides a name, a dog tagnumber or both. The document may be at a booth sponsored by the civicorganization, or may be a sheet of paper left at the site. Preferably,advancement 260 is calculated according to an objective points system.FIG. 9C includes a section 28 that describes points needed to advance inrank. In the illustrative system, advancement is according to militaryrank. Section 24 of FIG. 9B describes one military ranking scheme.However, other military or non-military hierarchy may be employed.Advancement in rank provides for recognition, facilitates access toparticular events, and enables the member to acquire different apparelor memorabilia such as a fabric patch bearing a symbol or indicia of therank.

It is preferred that the website 112 permit members to check their rankor other advancement status online. It is preferred that the website 112be fully open to all viewers, and no log-in or password required. Thispermits ranking to be a matter of public record and personal pride.Either actual names or pseudonyms may be listed. Preferably, though, themembership number such as the dog tag number of the member is provided.

In one aspect, the website 112 will list memberships according toDivision, Infantry and dog tag number. Users 120 of the website 112 canquickly see which Division or Infantry has the most members, andcorrelating ranks. When a member “reports for duty” such as by attendingan event of the organization or appearing at a sponsored charity workevent, the member reports his Division, Infantry and dog tag number. Theorganizers of the event collect the information and report to theorganization. The points earned by the member at sponsored charityevents help the member advance in rank. When tailgating at an event, themember may fly a flag reflecting this Infantry or Division.

FIGS. 10A-10D demonstrate illustrative screenshots 80 allowing websiteusers to order merchandise. This page 80 is accessed by clicking the“Gear” 80′ link. Merchandise may include hats, shirts, swimwear andother items. Orders may be placed through the mail 160 or online 102.

FIG. 11 demonstrates an illustrative screen image of an alternateembodiment of a webpage in accordance with the present invention. Inthis embodiment, the menu 330 is displayed as a header banner on thepage and includes the active links discussed above respect to FIG. 3A.Photos 12′ has been renamed to “gallery”, press 14′ has been renamed to“news”, and gear 80′ has been renamed to “shop”. The link rewards 302displays informational fields 304 for rewards partners affiliated withthe civic organization. The rewards partners are companies, businesses,or other entities that provide goods or services to the public andparticipate with the civic organization by providing these goods andservices to members of the organization at a discount or under specialterms as an authorized membership benefit opportunity. The informationalsection 304 includes a rewards partners logo field 306, a rewardspartner name 308, a rewards partners address and phone number 310, avalid through date 312 and a rewards or benefit description. The logofield 306 can include an active web link allowing the member to connectby the web to the web site of the rewards partner 308.

The screen 300 further includes an inquiry information field 320.Companies interested in being a rewards partner are invited to contactthe organization marketing department for arrangements, such as throughthe field 320 and a link on that page to a contact submission page (notillustrated). Members of the organization are also invited to activatethe benefits provided by the rewards partners. Particularly, benefitsmay be activated by displaying dog tags or membership identification atthe time of purchase. Alternatively (not illustrated), the members aredirected through a link on the field 320 to a rewards benefit page forprinting a coupon or other document reflective of the particular benefitoffered by the rewards partner.

The rewards partner 308 interacts with the organization by mail,telephone, or other communication mechanism. The rewards partnerarranges with the organization to become authorized to provide memberbenefits opportunities. There may be a fee paid by the rewards partnerto the organization. The rewards partner schedules presentation of therewards benefit on the rewards page 302 of the organization website.These arrangements include the details about the rewards benefitopportunity for the members, the partner information including name 308and address 310 as well as the duration or through date 308 for theoffer 314. Although not illustrated, the present system 100 includes aseparate accessible webpage by which the rewards partner may enter therewards information for presentation in a rewards field 304, includingthe logo 306 and website for direct linking, the offer 314, the rewardspartner information 308 and 310 and the through date 308.

FIG. 12 demonstrates a screenshot 320 of an alternate embodiment of anenlistment page accessed through the link 50′ for members to obtaininformation and link to a enlistment web page. This enlistment page 320includes the heading banner with links noted above in FIG. 11. In thisembodiment in keeping with the military theme of the organization,separate activity divisions are provided for an Infantry Unit 322, anIron Cavalry Unit 324, a Heavy Mechanized Unit 326, and an AmphibiousUnit 328. The Infantry Unit 322 is specialized unit for persons who walkor drive to organization events. The Iron Cavalry Unit 324 focuses onmotorcycle enthusiasts. The Heavy Mechanized Unit 326 groups RVtailgaters and similar outdoors enthusiasts who typically set up “basecamps” away from home with tents, RV trailers, campers, and cookingequipment. The Amphibious Unit 328 includes boaters and others involvedin water sports and activities. Further, the special divisions can besponsored or affiliated with a rewards partner. Typically, such specialsponsorship may include special advertising or information from thesponsor. Sponsors may pay a sponsorship fee to the organization. Forexample, the Infantry Unit 322 may be sponsored by a shoe company or anarea footwear retailer. The Iron Cavalry Unit 324 may be sponsored by amotorcycle dealer. The Heavy Mechanized Unit 326 may be sponsored by RVmanufacturer or retailer. Likewise the Amphibious Unit 328 may besponsored by a boat manufacturer or retailer. In the illustrated screenshot, a link 330 connects the enlistee to a page for receiving memberinformation (not illustrated). A side portion 332 displays photos andinformation about celebrity members.

FIG. 13A illustrates a screen shot of an alternate embodiment of anenlistment screen 350 for members to join the organization. Withoutlimitation and for illustrative purposes, the enlistment screen recruitsfor an organization for sports enthusiasts of the University ofTennessee. The enlistment screen 350 includes an information field 352with a link 354 for obtaining a recruiting pack for enlisting inmembership.. The screen 350 includes membership information generally356 and with reference to FIG. 13B includes information links 358 to thespecialty units discussed above with reference to FIG. 12. Theenlistment page 350 further includes information as to the hierarchalstructure generally 360 of the military-theme organization. Unitscomprised of small numbers of members make up increasingly larger units,in accordance with military structure. In the illustrated example,individual members can be subsequently grouped into a “fire team” of upto five members commended by a corporal; a squad has up to 15 memberscommanded by a sergeant, and so forth as indicated in the informationalfield 360. In the example given, a squad may be comprised of three fireteams. Further, a platoon of sixty members commanded by a sergeant firstclass may be comprised of four squads. The particular leaders of each ofthese units can attend to planning activities and participation by theunit in the activities of the organization. As each individual increasespoints, the rank of the individual can change as indicated withreference to FIG. 9C.

In an example for illustrative purposes to explain the practice of thepresent invention, a sports enthusiast who owns a small company mayenlist his employees as a group of the sports enthusiasts organization.In such, he would be the leader of the group and be provided indicia orsymbols indicative of his rank. His rank would depend initiallypartially on the number of persons in his group. Each employee orenlisted member would receive member benefits of the organization, andbe entitled to participate in organization activities, charitableevents, and the clothing, gear, symbols, and equipment associated withthe organization as described. Accordingly, the present inventionprovides a sports marketing entity for an interactive fan organizationusing a military theme and structure as a platform for involving fans ofa sports team with the sports team and its affiliated organization, inaddition to providing a source of motivated and active persons forparticipating from time-to-time with charitable and civic activitieswhereby the charitable and civic organizations benefit and theindividual members benefit while participating in the organization.

In an illustrative embodiment, the present invention implements andoperates a sports enthusiasts civic organization, in which one or morepersons having an interest in a sports team enlist as a member of thesports enthusiasts civic organization. The organization can be named forthe sports team or using words referring to a symbol, mascot, coloring,or other formative associated with the sports team and a word for thegroup, such as “Big Blue Army”, to designate the grouping of personsinterested in the particular sports team. The organization has amilitary-themed hierarchy and the organization provides organized andplanned sports-related activities for attendance by the members. Theorganization awards points to members based upon meritorious conduct inthe activities. Each member can obtain from the shop 80′ various indiciareflective of the points awarded to member. This indicia includes rankinsignia (following the military-theme of the organization in accordancewith the present invention) for application to clothing and articles ofthe member, as well as specific clothing that includes brand names andteam colors of the sports team of interest. Through participation inorganization events and activities, members advance in rank, and areentitled to particular indicia associated with the rank

With reference to the drawings, the organization provides an interactivewebsite through which the civic organization and the members maycommunicate as to activities including photographs of members duringactivities and events, news about such activities, events, andinformation related to the sports team of interest. Member can beenlisted by receiving information from users of the website,electronically or through the mail. Members advance in rank (andprivileges and responsibilities) through points or status. Theorganization provides information to members as to their level ofadvancement, or members determine their level of advancement byreferring to an assigned membership number on the website.

Points may be awarded for meritorious conduct by the member, whichconduct includes, but is not limited to, recruiting other members,acquired community-status, and participating in the activities andevents. One type of activity involves the organization enlistingcharitable organizations as activity partners. The meritorious conductof the member comprises performing charitable works for the charitableorganizations, such as participating with the organization in fundraising and charitable work of the charitable organization as arrangedand coordinated with the organization. The organization also offers toits members merchandise reflecting the common interest of the members(i.e., clothing and articles bearing the colors and symbols of theparticular sports team, such as the illustrative example the sportsenthusiasts civic organization supporting teams of the University ofTennessee) In yet another aspect, sports enthusiasts civic organizationmay enlisting rewards partners such as local retailers and serviceproviders that offering goods and services to members typically at adiscount or with a featured benefit.

It is noted again that the civic organization preferably offers a themethat provides a common point of interest among its members. In theexample of the “Big Orange Army,” the members will typically reside inthe State of Tennessee and will be fans of the athletic teams of theUniversity of Tennessee. However, themes involving other states or otherschools may be invoked. For example, a civic organization in Louisianamight be named “Tiger Mike's Army.” Such a civic organization may becomeaffiliated with the university in promoting its sporting events, andeach member's dog tag may reflect the name of the civic organization andbear a licensed trademark from the university.

Themes involving professional sports such as NASCAR™ may be selected.Still further, themes involving individual athletes such as “Earnhardt'sArmy” may be selected. Further still, themes involving brands such as“Hawaiian Tropics™ Army” may be employed. A civic organizationreflecting such common interests and which embark upon charitable workand which advance members such as through a military-style rankingsystem is thus provided.

The present invention accordingly provides an apparatus and method thatenables engaging persons in an organization of common interest forfacilitating civic and charitable activities while also promoting thecommon interests of the members and providing benefits to the members.The specification accordingly has described the present invention forimplementing a civic organization, including the steps necessary formaking and using various embodiments thereof. It is to be understood,however, that numerous changes and variations may be made in theimplementation of the civic organization within the spirit and scope ofthe present invention, and that modifications and changes may be madetherein without departing from the scope thereof as set forth in theappended claims.

1. A method for implementing a sports enthusiasts civic organization,comprising the steps of: enlisting one or more persons having aninterest in a sports team as a member of a sports enthusiasts civicorganization; providing sports-related activities for attendance by themembers; awarding points to members based upon a pre-determinedcriteria; providing a rank to the members based on points; and advancingmembers in the civic organization in response to the awarding of points,wherein members, obtaining points, are entitled to obtain indica relatedthereo.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step ofproviding a website through which the sports enthusiasts civicorganization and members may communicate.
 3. The method of claim 2,wherein the step of enlisting members is done by receiving informationfrom users of the website, electronically or through the mail.
 4. Themethod of claim 3, further comprising the step of providing informationto members as to their level of advancement.
 5. The method of claim 4,wherein members may determine their level of advancement by referring toan assigned membership number on the website.
 6. The method of claim 1,where at least one criteria is meritorious conduct related to theactivites;
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the meritorious conductcomprises recruiting other members.
 8. The method of claim 7, furthercomprising enlisting one or more charitable organizations to be partnerswith the sports enthusiasts civic organization; and wherein themeritorious conduct comprises performing charitable works for thecharitable organizations in affiliation with the sports enthusiastscivic organization.
 9. The method of claim 6, wherein the meritoriousconduct comprises achieving status in the community.
 10. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising the step of offering merchandise reflectingthe common interest of the sports enthusiasts civic organization. 11.The method of claim 10, wherein the common interest is the athleticteams of the University of Tennessee.
 12. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising the step of enlisting rewards partners offering goods andservices to members.
 13. A method for implementing a civic organization,comprising the steps of: enlisting members to be a part of the civicorganization; enlisting charitable organizations to be partners with thecivic organization; awarding points to members based upon meritoriousconduct; and advancing members in the civic organization in response tothe awarding of points.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprisingthe step of providing a website through which the civic organization maycommunicate with members and charitable organizations.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the step of enlisting members is done by receivinginformation from users of the website, electronically or through themail.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step ofproviding information to members as to their level of advancement. 17.The method of claim 13, wherein members may determine their level ofadvancement by referring to an assigned membership number on thewebsite.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the meritorious conductcomprises recruiting other members.
 18. The method of claim 13, whereinthe meritorious conduct comprises performing charitable works for thecharitable organizations.
 20. The method of claim 13, wherein themeritorious conduct comprises achieving status in the community.
 21. Themethod of claim 13, wherein: the civic organization markets to attractmembers having a common interest; and the method further comprises thestep of offering merchandise reflecting that common interest.
 22. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the common interest is the athletic teams ofthe University of Tennessee.
 23. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising the step of enlisting rewards partners offering goods andservices to members.
 24. A system for facilitating a civic organization,comprising: a user interface for a server operator; a network interfacecomprising a web browser and a data link; a server defining a website, aprocessor, memory and software for enabling the server operator tocommunicate with a plurality of users through a global data network, thewebsite enabling the server operator to: receive information from aplurality of remotely located users that are prospective members so asto enlist the users into the civic organization as members; receiveinformation from a plurality of charitable organizations aboutopportunities for community service; receive information from theenlisted members and the charitable organizations about charitable workdone by the members; post information about points awarded to membersfor their charitable work; and post information about advancement of theindividual members based upon points awarded.
 25. The system of claim24, wherein: the civic organization markets to attract members having acommon interest; and the website further permits members to purchasemerchandise reflecting that common interest.
 26. The system of claim 25,wherein the common interest is the athletic teams of the University ofTennessee.
 27. The system of claim 24, wherein the website providesinformation on advancement within the civic organization.
 28. The systemof claim 24, wherein the website provides information from at least onerewards partner offering goods or services to members.
 29. The system ofclaim 24, wherein the civic organization is a sports marketingorganization.
 30. A method for advancing in a civic organization,comprising the steps of: enlisting as a member within the civicorganization; receiving a membership number from the civic organization;receiving a rank from the civic organization; performing charitable workfor a charitable organization, the charitable organization havingpartnered with the civic organization; reporting the charitable work tothe civic organization; receiving points for the charitable work; andadvancing within the civic organization in response to the receipt ofpoints.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the step of enlisting as amember comprises: completing an enlistment card; and submitting theenlistment card to the civic organization.
 32. The method of claim 30,wherein the step of enlisting as a member comprises entering personalprofile data on a website of the civic organization.
 33. The method ofclaim 30, further comprising the step of reviewing a website of thecivic organization to determine current rank.
 34. The method of claim32, wherein: the rank is a military designation; the membership numberis a dog tag number; and the step of reviewing the website to determinecurrent rank is accomplished by looking up one's dog tag number.
 35. Themethod of claim 30, further comprising the steps of: recruiting othermembers; and receiving points for recruiting other members.
 36. Themethod of claim 30, wherein the civic organization markets to attractmembers having a common interest.
 37. The method of claim 30, furthercomprising the step of purchasing merchandise from the civicorganization reflecting the indicia of the civic organization.
 38. Themethod of claim 30, wherein: the rank is a military designation; andmembers are assigned to a military unit based upon a geographicallocation.
 39. A method for forming a coalition of civic organization,comprising the steps of: creating a plurality of civic organizations,each organization being designated as an “army” based upon a commoninterest of members; enlisting member within the respective civicorganizations; enlisting charitable organizations to be partners withthe respective civic organizations; awarding points to members basedupon meritorious conduct; and advancing members in the respective civicorganizations in response to the awarding of points.
 40. The method ofclaim 39, further comprising the step of providing websites throughwhich each of the civic organizations may communicate with its membersand charitable organizations.
 41. The method of claim 40, wherein thestep of enlisting members is done by receiving information from users ofthe websites, electronically or through the mail.
 42. The method ofclaim 39, further comprising the step of providing information tomembers as to their level of advancement.
 43. The method of claim 39,further comprising the steps of: issuing a member number to each memberof each civic organization; and issuing a rank to each member of eachcivic organization.
 44. The method of claim 39, further comprising thestep of enlisting at least one rewards partner for providing a benefitopportunity to members.